Contractor Training

Annual Refresher Training Classes for Contractors

The MSHA State Grants Program for Michigan, administered by Michigan Technological University, can hold CFR30 Part 46 or 48 training classes throughout Michigan for independent contractors. Classes can provide trainees with annual refresher training certificates for either Part 46 or 48 or for both, making it possible for contractor employees to legally perform services in all metal and nonmetal mines in the State. For additional information or assistance, telephone Dave Carlson at 906/487-2453 or email dcarlson@mtu.edu

Requirements for Mine Safety and Health Training

Contractor employees needing comprehensive training (new miner, annual refresher, and task training) include those who are:

	Engaged in mining operations, including developing, drilling, blasting, extracting, milling, crushing, screening or sizing materials, or loading or hauling materials within the mine;
	Maintenance or service workers, working on mining equipment for frequent (a pattern of recurring exposure) or extended periods (more than five consecutive work days); or
	Construction workers who are exposed to hazards of mining operations for frequent or extended periods.

Such training must be conducted before entering sand and gravel or other types of mines and quarries. If an MSHA inspector finds untrained contractor employees on the mine site, they will be forced to leave, and the contractor and mine operator will receive fines. MSHA rules for surface mines require 24 hours of training for “inexperienced miners”, training for “experienced miners” (usually takes about 8 hours), 8 hours of “annual refresher” training for all miners, “new task” training for any miner assigned to a new task, and site-specific hazard awareness training. Dave Carlson (906/487-2453) will assist you in determining what type of training your employees need.

Which Training Rule Do You Come Under?

CFR 30 - Part 46, Part 48, or Both?

The answer to this is simple. It depends on the mine you're working at. CFR 30 - Part 46 Training rules cover Nonmetal Surface Mines other than gypsum mines. Surface Gypsum and Surface Metal Mines (like open pit iron mines) fall under CFR 30 - Part 48 Training rules. All Underground Mines fall under part 48 training rules (this includes surface areas of underground mines.) If you work at both Part 46 and 48 mines you will need to be trained under a plan that meets both requirements. (See below for details.)

If a contractor requires training under Part 46, the contractor must have a written training plan and conduct training according to this plan. Contact Dave Carlson at 906/487-2453 (or email dcarlson@mtu.edu) for assistance in preparing your plan and for other information on compliance with the MSHA standards.

If a contractor requires training under Part 48, an MSHA-approved trainer must conduct the training, but contractors working only in Part 48 mines can be trained under the MSHA-approved trainer’s plan.

Both Part 46 and Part 48 training must be refreshed with 8-hours of annual training by the end of the same month the training was received during the previous year.

Contractors who want their annual refresher training to cover both the Part 46 and 48 rules, should request this from the Program Manager at the time they sign up for training. The Program will assist the contractor in preparing a Part 46 Annual Refresher training plan that also meets the requirements of the Program’s Part 48 plan.

Other Requirements for Contractors

Contractors are required to familiarize themselves with all MSHA training standards. This includes the Part 62 Noise standard and the Part 47 Hazard Communication standard. Both standards are similar to corresponding OSHA standards. Contractors on a mine site also need access at all times to a person with current first aid training. (Part 56/57.18010). For further information on other requirements contact the Program Manager at 906/487-2453.

Available Program Services

CFR30 Part 56.18010 requires that all metal/nonmetal mines have a person on site who is trained in advanced first aid. Furthermore, this standard requires that first aid be offered to all employees who are interested in receiving it. Our Program provides this “advanced first aid” training as part of Annual Refresher Training once every 3 years, and reviews first aid during each of the intervening years. The trainee receives both an “annual-refresher” training certificate and a “first aid” certificate that is valid for 3 years. Hearing Conservation Program training is also incorporated in all annual refresher training and Hazcom training can be incorporated upon request.

The State Grants Program at Michigan Technological University has published a Surface Mine Supervisor MSHA Compliance Manual. The latest update, involved adding a section on “Electrical Grounding”, and making other corrections, as well as developing a condensed version of the manual. This unique, easy-to-read manual presents information that managers, supervisors, and trainers are required to know to meet MSHA standards. We recommend that all surface mine contractors become familiar with the information presented. If you don't already have a copy, you can download one here ->Manuals. Other information can also be downloaded from this site, including our Surface Mine Instructor Reference and Trainee Review Manual.

MICHIGAN MINES AND CONTRACTORS, WHO WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR MAILINGS ON UPCOMING CLASSES, WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORM AND FAX OR EMAIL IT BACK TO DAVE CARLSON.

FAX: 906/487-2495 - EMAIL dcarlson@mtu.edu